Everyone turned toward the source of the voice, their eyes involuntarily narrowing.
There stood Song Shihuan, clad in a deep red riding outfit, her trousers and sleeves neatly fitted, her long hair tied up—her entire demeanor exuding an indescribable heroic charm.
"What? Do you all doubt me?"
"Who would dare doubt my granddaughter?" Without giving anyone else a chance to speak, Emperor Yuanyou rose and strode toward Song Shihuan. "This attire suits Ah Huan perfectly. The Imperial Wardrobe Bureau shall be rewarded!"
At the emperor’s words, the already stunned crowd felt their hearts tremble. Could it be that Lady Fuan was truly this favored?
Even her hunting attire had been personally commissioned by the emperor!
"Imperial Grandfather, your granddaughter will hunt a black bear for you."
A scoffing laugh rang out. Prince Qi feigned astonishment. "Ah Huan is still young and doesn’t understand how difficult it is to hunt a black bear. The bears in this hunting ground are at least four times your size."
"Let’s hope you don’t end up crying in fear out there."
"My father once said that Fourth Uncle cried when he encountered a black bear during his martial training as a child. No wonder you assume the same of me. I’m afraid I’ll have to disappoint you."
At Song Shihuan’s words, Prince Qi’s face flushed a deep, angry red.
"I—I am your elder. If I win today, don’t accuse me of bullying you."
"Fourth Uncle, rest assured. I’m representing my father. How does that make you my elder?"
Song Shihuan left no room for Prince Qi to save face. Fuming, he shot her a glare before rallying his team and leading them to the hunting ground’s entrance.
"Ah Huan, safety first."
Song Yu’s expression gradually darkened with worry, his frustration mounting. Why hadn’t he trained harder in martial arts? Now his daughter had to step forward in his place.
"Father, don’t worry. Prepare a celebration for my return."
The certainty in Song Shihuan’s demeanor left the onlookers speechless.
This was strange.
Too strange.
......
At the sound of the horn, Prince Qi led his team into the hunting grounds first. Among Song Shihuan’s team, only Yu Fan remained composed—the others wore uneasy expressions, their gazes drifting toward Song Yanzheng behind her.
"Let’s go. Into the hunting grounds."
Song Shihuan lightly nudged her horse forward, her expression unreadable as she advanced.
After about three hundred meters, when the spectators could no longer see them, Song Yanzheng tightened his reins. "Ah Huan, you should wait here."
"The deeper areas are too dangerous. Large beasts are no joke."
His tone dripped with concern. "If you’re bored, I’ll hunt a rabbit to keep you company. This is just a hunt—winning or losing doesn’t matter."
The rest of the team nodded in agreement. After all, who could believe a young noblewoman like her could take down a beast?
Only Yu Fan’s eyes glinted with mockery. What fools.
"I didn’t come here to play with rabbits."
"Ah Huan!"
Song Yanzheng raised his voice. "I know you resent Pingwang Manor for what happened in the past, and you despise me too. But this time, I’m genuinely worried for you. If you keep being stubborn, I’ll tie you to this tree myself."
To anyone listening, he sounded like a caring elder brother.
A derisive laugh escaped Song Shihuan as she met his gaze, her eyes full of scorn.
"Tying me up in the hunting grounds is no different from leaving a defenseless child here."
"Once you all scatter, if a beast finds me, won’t I just become its meal? Song Yanzheng, are you truly concerned for me—or trying to get rid of me?"
"You—!"
His hidden intentions laid bare, Song Yanzheng flushed with anger.
But Song Shihuan had no more time to waste on him.
In one swift motion, she drew an arrow from her quiver, nocked it, and released. A hawk plummeted from the sky.
"The team leader’s kills earn double points."
"If you don’t want them, I’ll take them."
Her eyes darkened. "Yu Fan stays with me. The rest of you, spread out and hunt. We’ll regroup later for the black bear. Today, we will win—so give it your all."
With that, she and Yu Fan rode toward the heart of the hunting grounds, leaving behind a trail of awe.
"Grand Prince, we’ll begin our hunt as well."
The others dispersed, leaving Song Yanzheng alone, fists clenched, staring at the arrow-pierced hawk.
How? Since when could Song Shihuan shoot like this?
......
The deeper they ventured, the clearer the roars of beasts became.
"My lady, the hunting grounds were specially stocked with a black bear this time, along with smaller game like deer and foxes." Yu Fan’s ears twitched. "The bear should be due north."
Song Shihuan glanced at the ground, spotting hoofprints leading north. A faint smile curled her lips. "No rush. Let’s bag more prey first."
"A black bear can’t be taken down alone. A team effort won’t count for my double points. Judging by the tracks, Fourth Uncle’s group must’ve gone straight for it. Let them tire themselves out fighting it."
Then... they’d swoop in for the kill.
Yu Fan chuckled, catching her drift. "A brilliant strategy, my lady. Strike when the enemy is exhausted."
"You’ve studied your military texts well." Song Shihuan raised her bow again—another flawless shot.
"You commanded me to read them diligently. I wouldn’t dare slack."
Within half an hour, Song Shihuan had claimed nearly half the hunt’s spoils—even snatching kills from her own teammates. At the sight of their leader’s "glorious achievements," the group could hardly believe their eyes.
If the lady was this terrifying, then the Prince of Qin...
Was he the empire’s mightiest warrior?
"Everyone here? Then let’s hunt the bear."
She led them toward the roars. Soon, they spotted Prince Qi’s team locked in combat with the beast—his men luring it to expose its vitals while he waited for an opening.
Song Shihuan raised a hand, signaling silence.
But just then, Song Yanzheng cried out, "Fourth Uncle! Beware the bear!"
Instantly, Prince Qi noticed their presence.
Seeing Song Shihuan draw her bow, arrow aimed straight for the bear’s heart, Prince Qi hastily nocked his own.
Twang—
Two arrows sliced through the air in near-perfect unison, hurtling toward the beast.
